8.B.
Heritage Preservation Commission
- Meeting Date:
- 10/21/2026
- From:
- Lauren Clementino, Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Manager/HPO
TITLE:
May Hicks Curtis House Relocation and Use Discussion
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Discussion only.
Executive Summary:
Staff is seeking Heritage Preservation Commission feedback on proposed relocation sites and use options for the May Hicks Curtis House. Staff will present on the relocation sites and use options evaluated, funding considerations, and recommended alternatives. Feedback provided by the Commission will be included in a November 10, 2026 presentation to City Council on this topic.
Policy Impact:
Has There Been Previous Council Decision on This:
In May 2022, the Heritage Preservation Commission reviewed and accepted a combined Phase 1 and 2 Cultural Resource Study for the May Hicks Curtis House commissioned by Clayton Companies in advance of the planned demolition of the house for redevelopment of the parcel and prepared by Cornerstone Environmental Consulting, LLC.
In November 2024, the Commission endorsed a Letter of Support addressed to the National Trust for Historic Preservation for adding the May Hicks Curtis House to America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places for 2025. The May Hicks Curtis House received this designation on May 7, 2025.
In November 2024, the Commission endorsed a Letter of Support addressed to the National Trust for Historic Preservation for adding the May Hicks Curtis House to America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places for 2025. The May Hicks Curtis House received this designation on May 7, 2025.
Background and History:
Known as the “Betsy Ross” of Arizona, May Hicks Curtis sewed the first Arizona state flag in 1911 which is currently on display at the State Capital Museum. May is a consequential woman in the history of Flagstaff and the State of Arizona. May was a college graduate, assistant postmaster, and photographer. May participated in Flagstaff’s Women’s Club and the Arizona Historical Society, among numerous other organizations, and devoted her life to improving her city and her state. She co-created the largest existing collection of pre-WWII photographs of Flagstaff with her first husband Frank Curtis.
The May Hicks Curtis House (constructed circa 1913) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing structure to the Southside Historic District and located adjacent to historic Route 66. The private residence is linked to two rooming houses in the Railroad Addition Historic District owned and operated by May and her mother, the Hicks Rooming House and St Anne’s Apartments. May (along with Frank Curtis and later her second husband Jonathan Hill) lived in the house for decades. As the property most closely associated with her legacy, the house represents her active community involvement and contributions to Arizona’s history.
Due to proposed private development on the lot where the May Hicks Curtis House stood since its construction, relocation of the house was the only way to prevent demolition. Recognizing the significance of the House, the City of Flagstaff took ownership of the House. In April 2025, the City's contractor slid the House off the parcel to be developed and onto a leased staging area. In May 2025, the House was moved behind the City's Recycling Transfer Facility on Butler Ave. for temporary storage until it can be moved to a permanent location.
The May Hicks Curtis House (constructed circa 1913) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing structure to the Southside Historic District and located adjacent to historic Route 66. The private residence is linked to two rooming houses in the Railroad Addition Historic District owned and operated by May and her mother, the Hicks Rooming House and St Anne’s Apartments. May (along with Frank Curtis and later her second husband Jonathan Hill) lived in the house for decades. As the property most closely associated with her legacy, the house represents her active community involvement and contributions to Arizona’s history.
Due to proposed private development on the lot where the May Hicks Curtis House stood since its construction, relocation of the house was the only way to prevent demolition. Recognizing the significance of the House, the City of Flagstaff took ownership of the House. In April 2025, the City's contractor slid the House off the parcel to be developed and onto a leased staging area. In May 2025, the House was moved behind the City's Recycling Transfer Facility on Butler Ave. for temporary storage until it can be moved to a permanent location.